The 23-year-old forward is in a race against time to be fit for this summer's European Championships, which kick off in Switzerland in five weeks' time
James is widely regarded as one of England's most dangerous forwards
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By TARA ANSON-WALSH
Published: 14:38 EDT, 29 May 2025 | Updated: 14:38 EDT, 29 May 2025
Lauren James says she is doing everything she can to return to full fitness in time for England's European Championship title defence this summer.
The 23-year-old forward, widely regarded as one of England's most dangerous attacking threats, suffered a hamstring injury during last month's 5-0 win over Belgium in the Nations League.
With only five weeks remaining until the Euros kick off in Switzerland, James remains in a race against time to prove her fitness. England manager Sarina Wiegman offered a positive update earlier today, saying James has 'so far she has ticked the boxes she needs to tick' in her rehabalitation and is 'doing really well'.
'I'm working hard, doing everything I can to be ready,' James told Mail Sport. 'The pressure's always there when you're a professional footballer, especially with a major tournament coming up. It's about trusting the process and continuing to build and improve.'
James has scored four goals in 17 appearances for Chelsea this season but was sidelined during the title run-in due to her injury. Although she was sidelined for the final stretch of the season, she remains immensely proud of her team's achievements whose triumph in the FA Cup final sealed a historic domestic treble for Sonia Bompastor's side.
'It was absolutely massive to get that treble done, especially the FA Cup,' she said. 'It's a special feeling, a real achievement for the club and all the hard work everyone's put in. Lifting that trophy… that's what we work for all season. The atmosphere was buzzing.'
Lauren James (right) has scored four goals in 17 appearances for Chelsea this season but was sidelined during the title run-in as the Blues sealed a historic domestic treble
England manager Sarina Wiegman offered a positive update on her fitness, saying James has 'so far she has ticked the boxes she needs to tick' in her rehabalitation and is 'doing really well'
James spoke to Mail Sport as part of her partnership with Pepsi, where she stars alongside Alexia Putellas and Caroline Graham Hansen in the brand’s ‘Refresh the Game' campaign
The England international also spoke about life under Chelsea's new manager, Sonia Bompastor, who succeeded Emma Hayes at the start of the season.
'It was obviously a change after working with Emma for so long, but change can be good,' James said. 'You can see how much success we've already had under Sonia in her first season. She's incredibly competitive – probably the most competitive person I've ever met.'
Asked how things have changed in west London under Bompastor, James noted both subtle and significant differences in training.
'There've been changes – some small, some big. But ultimately, both Emma and Sonia are winners. I learned so much under Emma and she's been a huge influence in my career, but I'm learning loads from Sonia too.'
James spoke to Mail Sport as part of her new partnership with Pepsi. She stars alongside Alexia Putellas, Caroline Graham Hansen, and Farah Jefry in the brand's 'Refresh the Game' campaign.
'Pepsi is a massive global brand and one that has been involved with football for such a long period of time,' she said. 'Becoming a global ambassador is a real personal milestone for me.
'The support from brands like Pepsi means a lot. As athletes, we feel that. Anything that helps grow the game is good for us and for the sport. My focus will always be on performing on the pitch, but when brands help share our stories with more people, that's definitely really important and appreciated.'
Lauren James spoke to Mail Sport to celebrate her new role as a Pepsi MAX ambassador and the launch of the brand's latest campaign, Refresh the Game. For more information, visit @PepsiUK.